Spray to protect your crops Part 13: Safety: Storage and disposing of chemical containers

Compiled by J Fuls (Pr Eng)

You can identify a neat and disciplined farmer by the way he manages his scrapyard and his waste. Empty chemical containers are a significant waste product. Since chemicals can be harmful to humans and animals, it is therefore even more important to discard empty containers in the right manner.

Handling spraying chemicals

Always consider chemicals to be dangerous! Consult your extension officer regarding the intended application and other safety aspects according to the label.

Store it alone and away from children in a lock-up room or cabinet.

Be careful not to spill any chemicals. Consult your extension officer regarding the intended application and other safety aspects according to the label.

Do not dump empty containers just anywhere. Children may find it handy to play with or to use as water containers.

Do not use empty containers for anything else.

Rinse the empty container three times. Empty the last chemicals into your sprayer and spray it out in the field.

Now punch holes into the container and bury it well.

Next month we shall look at the special care we should take during spraying.

Published with acknowledgement to the ARC – Agricultural Engineering for the use of their manuals. Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.

RAINMAKER THE www.reinke.com

Patrick Ellis

+27 (0)31 350 4525 patrickellis@reinke.com